The last thing paddler Jackie Dring expected on her afternoon paddle across Auckland's Rangitoto Channel was to pick up a passenger.

Pascale Sperling, 13, is heading to Britain to compete in the world's top dog show: Crufts.

A cousin of the kangaroo could wreak havoc if it spreads through the Kaimai and Urewera ranges, conservationists fear.

Researchers say gerbils, not rats, should be blamed for wiping out millions during the Black Plague.

Animal rights organisation PETA wants Hollywood producer Jerry Bruckheimer to cancel any plans to ship two capuchin monkeys to Australia for the filming of the next Pirates of the Caribbean film.

I'm not a people hater, I just often prefer the company of animals. Of course humans are animals too, it's just a pity they don't act more like it.

A Wellsford family enjoying a day in the Hauraki Gulf near Leigh were delighted to have some extra visitors along for the afternoon.

Sheepdogs have proved they can protect little penguins, so now they are to become the personal bodyguards of endangered bandicoots.

A spider inadvertently found in a packet of grapes by a West Auckland woman has been confirmed as an Australian redback.

A fledgling Kaka was mauled to death by a dog in the Wellington region resulting in a plea from park staff to the public to keep their dogs on a leash.

Most of the 25 cats owned by Invercargill woman Averil Gardiner have been rehomed to meet a court's deadline.

The board of Greyhound Racing NSW has agreed to step down in the wake of the live baiting scandal engulfing the sport.

An injured horse on the side of a busy Auckland road had injured its leg after jumping a fence.

"There were dead animals in drains." A vet has described an horrific case of mistreating cattle on a farm as the worst he has seen.

Live pigs, rabbits and possums have been tied to mechanical lures and used as bait to train some of Australia’s most successful greyhounds.

Which dog will be Best in Show? Westminster Kennel Club 139th annual all-breed dog show has begun - check out the cutest and craziest pictures from the event.

Dogs compete at the Westminster Kennel Club dog show in New York City.

Australian surfer reveals epic battle with great white shark that ripped off his arms - and the terrifying moment he felt a "second bump".

Sixty whales from a stranded pod of almost 200 have been successfully refloated near Nelson.

There was hope for 64 stranded pilot whales last night when they were finally helped on their way to the safety of deeper water.

Around 100 volunteers are working frantically to save what is left of a pod of stranded pilot whales near Nelson this morning.

Ngongotaha residents have been burying dead ducks found on the shores of Lake Rotorua, and experts say the birds are likely to have died of botulism.

Three-month-old cheetah cubs Matata, Kanzi, Gorse and Nia will today venture into the wild at Orana Park in outer Christchurch.

A six-legged critter who knows a thing or two about cricket has predicted New Zealand will win against Sri Lanka today.

Everyone knows that dogs are a human's best friend - and now scientists have shown they can read our faces.

More stranded pilot whales are expected to die as weather conditions and nightfall hamper efforts to save 174 pilot whales that ran into trouble today.

Three-month-old cheetah cubs Matata, Kanzi, Gorse and Nia are taking their first steps into the wild at Orana Park in outer Christchurch.

More stranded pilot whales are expected to die as weather conditions and nightfall hamper efforts to save 174 pilot whales that ran into trouble today.

109-year-old Alfie Date spends his time knitting tiny wool sweaters for tiny injured penguins.